Philip Yorke (antiquary)

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Philip Yorke (30 July 1743 – 1804) was a Welsh politician and antiquary who developed a strong interest in Welsh history and genealogy later in life. He is best known for The Royal Tribes of Wales (1799).

Early life and education
- Born at Erddig Hall in Denbighshire, Wales, to Simon Yorke and Dorothy Hutton. He came from a family connected to the Earls of Hardwicke.
- Educated at Wanstead, Newcome’s School in Hackney, and Eton College. He then went to Cambridge (Benet College) and earned an MA in 1765. He studied law at Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the bar in 1767.
- Became a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in 1768.

Marriages and children
- In 1770 he married Elizabeth Cust; they had several children. Elizabeth died in 1779.
- In 1782 he married Diana Meyrick Wynne (widow of Ridgeway Owen Meyrick); they had several more children. Diana died in 1805.

Political career
- Yorke entered Parliament in 1775, representing Helston after petitions, and served there until 1781. He later represented Grantham as a seat-warmer from 1792 until his son came of age.
- He declined a parliamentary seat at Reigate in 1784 to avoid living in London. He also served as High Sheriff of Denbighshire in 1786–87.
- Known for being honest and independent, he spoke rarely in the House and preferred country life, agriculture, and his antiquarian interests.

Antiquarian work and legacy
- After his second marriage, Yorke began studying Welsh history and genealogy, tracing lineages such as those of Cadwallon.
- His first genealogical book, Tracts of Powys (1795), laid the groundwork for his major work, The Royal Tribes of Wales (1799), produced with Walter Davies. The Royal Tribes traced five royal lineages and their pedigrees, and included discussions of the “Fifteen Common Tribes of Wales.”
- He initially entertained myths of Welsh descent (including Trojan origins) but later rejected them in his historical work.
- Yorke was also known as a good conversationalist and amateur actor at Wynnstay Theatre. A memorial in the Church of St Deiniol and St Marcella at Marchwiel honors his integrity and intellect.

Philip Yorke died in 1804, remembered for his thoughtful contributions to Welsh history and genealogy.